Wassail Song
The Choir And Orchestra Of Clare College Cambridge Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Here we come a-caroling
Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a wand'ring,
So fair to be seen.

Love and joy come to you,
And to your wassail too
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year,

And God send you a Happy New Year.
We are not daily beggars
Who beg from door to door,
But we are neighbors' children,
Whom you have seen before.

God bless the Master of this house,
Likewise the Mistress too
And all the little children,
That round the table go.

Love and joy come to you,
And to your wassail too
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.
We are not daily beggars
Who beg from door to door,
But we are neighbors' children,
Whom you have seen before.

And all your kin and kinfolk
That dwell both far and near
We wish a Merry Christmas
And Happy New Year.
Love and joy come to you,
And to your wassail too
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year.
We are not daily beggars
Who beg from door to door,

But we are neighbors' children,
Whom you have seen before.

Overall Meaning

The Wassail Song, as performed by The Choir And Orchestra Of Clare College Cambridge, is a joyful and festive carol that expresses good wishes and blessings for the new year. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a group of carolers wandering through green and peaceful surroundings, bringing joy and love to those they encounter. The opening lines set the scene for the carolers' journey, describing their wanderings among the trees and plants. The first verse is followed by a chorus that wishes the best for the listeners and their wassail, a traditional punch made during wintertime and usually associated with Christmastime and New Year's Eve. The chorus is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing its sense of good cheer and goodwill.

The second verse of the song emphasizes that the carolers are not beggars but their neighbors' children, who have been seen and recognized before. The carolers then offer blessings to the master and mistress of the house, as well as to the little children, who are gathered around the table. The final verse expands the carolers' scope, wishing peace, joy, and blessings not only to the listeners, but also to their families, near and far.

Overall, the Wassail Song is a traditional carol that emphasizes the importance of community, connection, and good wishes during the winter season. Its message is one of peace, love, and joy, as well as a recognition of the traditions, customs, and rhythms that mark the passing of time and the renewal of the year.

Line by Line Meaning

Here we come a-caroling
We arrive singing carols

Among the leaves so green,
In the midst of green foliage

Here we come a-wand'ring,
We enter your property wandering

So fair to be seen.
Pleasing to the eye

Love and joy come to you,
We convey good wishes of love and joy to you

And to your wassail too
And to your festive gatherings as well

And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year,
May God bless and grant you a happy new year

And God send you a Happy New Year.
May God shower you with a happy new year

We are not daily beggars
We are not persistent beggars

Who beg from door to door,
Requesting alms from one house to another

But we are neighbors' children,
We are your neighbors' kids